Nigeria’s Social Democratic Party (SDP) has expelled former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, banning him from any association with the party for the next 30 years.
The party’s National Working Committee (NWC) announced the decision on Monday in Abuja, accusing El-Rufai of “false representation” and “destabilising activities” within the party.
In a statement signed by National Publicity Secretary Araba Rufus Aiyenigba, the SDP said El-Rufai had been parading himself as a member of the party without properly registering at his ward level, as required by law.
According to the party, El-Rufai posted on social media that he had joined the SDP, leading to congratulatory messages from party members. However, an investigation confirmed that the Kaduna State chapter never admitted him, and his supposed membership records were forged.
The SDP also accused the former governor of promoting other political parties, attempting to destabilise the SDP, and using the party’s name in “various political dealings” without authorisation.
The NWC said El-Rufai’s actions had caused “disunity, distrust, and manipulations” within the party. It ratified earlier decisions by his ward and the Kaduna State executive committee rejecting his membership.
The party has informed Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other relevant bodies that El-Rufai is ineligible for membership until July 2055.
El-Rufai, a former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has not yet responded to the allegations or the 30-year ban.